Ajankohtaista

Doctoral Researcher, Molecular Medicine (Celiac Disease & Immunometabolism) – University of Oulu

https://oulunyliopisto.varbi.com/fi/what:job/jobID:890108

Apply latest by 31.1.2026

Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, ECM and Hypoxia 

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

Doctoral Researcher

to join the Intestinal Signaling and Epigenetics research group led by Associate Professor Keijo Viiri in the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.

This position is part of the HEALTH-DIMENSIONS (Profi 8) research programme, a national profiling action funded by the Research Council of Finland. The programme focuses on ”Multidimensional Big Data and Life-Course Health,” with a specific emphasis on molecular-level mechanistic validation of diseases.

About the Job

Think of the human body as a complex computer system. Celiac disease is like a software glitch triggered by an external input (dietary gluten) that causes the hardware (the intestine) to malfunction. This research project acts as a system diagnostic—examining the “code” (functional epigenetics) and the “power supply” (metabolism) to identify a “patch” (targeted therapy) that restores the system to its normal state. Above all, this project champions discovery science—uncovering fundamental principles that transcend disease-specific boundaries and generate knowledge with transformative potential across diverse health challenges.

The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment that bridges clinical data with fundamental molecular biology. The project aims to understand the root causes of intestinal damage and develop personalized treatment strategies for autoimmune conditions.

Key research themes include:

• Precision Immunotherapy: Dissecting molecular pathways driving Celiac Disease (CeD) and its refractory forms to unlock new therapeutic strategies.
• Advanced Disease Modelling: Using omics technologies and patient-derived as well as transgenic murine models to understand why some patients continue to experience symptoms despite standard treatments.
• Metabolism and Cell Health: Exploring how cellular metabolism and epigenetic gene regulation interact to maintain a healthy intestinal lining and how inflammatory responses disrupt this balance.
• Viral Factors: Examining how external triggers, such as viral infections, may predispose individuals to autoimmune responses.

What We Offer

• A supportive, multidisciplinary team where you can grow as an expert in molecular medicine and functional epigenetics.
• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, including organoid models and advanced sequencing technologies.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.  
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who Are You?

To succeed in this position, we require:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Health Sciences). The Master’s degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher’s work.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)
• Fluent oral and written English skills.
• A strong interest in autoimmunity, metabolism, and epigenetic gene regulation.

We also appreciate:

• Prior experience in cell culture, molecular biology techniques, imaging and animal models.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics or the analysis of large biological datasets.
• A proactive attitude and the ability to work in an international research environment.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years. Salary is based on levels 2–4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities. In addition, a personal performance component will be paid, with a typical starting gross salary between €2,600 and €2,900 per month. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to Apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.1.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application must be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter summarizing your research interests and suitability.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity.
3. Certificates/Diplomas.
4. Contact information for two referees.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Associate Professor Keijo Viiri, keijo.viiri@oulu.fi 

Doctoral student, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&jc=1&id=000012361&lang=fi

We are now looking for a highly motivated Doctoral Student to join the research group of Daniela Ungureanu to work on a project focused to understand the molecular basis of omental metastasis in ovarian cancer. The research project is carried out under Fibrobesity programme funded by the Academy of Finland, targeting obesity-related fibrotic pathologies.

The faculty and the research group
Applications are invited for a full-time fixed-term doctoral student position for a period of four years in the Disease Networks Unit, at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (FBMM). The Cancer Signaling group led by Daniela Ungureanu works on the Wnt-receptor pseudokinases signaling involved in cancer development and the application of functional precision medicine for targeted therapies in cancer. The research project focuses on the role of Wnt-signaling in cancer development such as ovarian cancer, to understand the molecular basis for chemoresistance. The main tasks for the research project include working with mammalian and patient-derived tissue cultures and performing a variety of molecular biology methods.

Selected lab publications:
Karvonen et al., Oncogene 2019, PMID: 30631148; Karvonen et al, Cell Death and Disease, 2020, PMID: 32989221; Sheetz et al., Mol Cell, 2020, PMID: 32619402.

Qualification requirements
The successful candidate for the doctoral student position must possess a Master´s degree in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry or translational cancer research. The candidate should have a strong interest in learning cutting-edge methods related to translational, molecular and biochemistry research. Previous demonstrated research experience in molecular biology and basic bioinformatics skills is considered a significant advantage. The selected candidate should be able to work independently as well as in a group with a drive to excel in research. Fluency in both written and spoken English is required. Most importantly, we expect the candidate to have a strong motivation to conduct high-level research in molecular medicine.

What we offer
We offer a research environment with excellent technological facilities and a motivating and supporting international community at the FBMM, University of Oulu. We can also offer access to state-of-the-art facilities located at Oulu, Finland as well as across Europe for doing cutting edge research in cancer research and precision medicine. You will be working in a highly talented research group supported by an excellent network of collaborators in Finland and abroad. University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on research work. The position is fixed-term 4-year starting at the earliest date in 2022. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Salary
The salary will be based on the demand levels 2 – 4 of the salary system of Finnish Universities for teaching and research personnel. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2,400 – 2,500 € per month.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by  January 9, 2022 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:
1) A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s educational background, professional experience and describing why the applicant is interested in this position.
2) A complete Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) preferably in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae including a list of publications (if available) and contact information of two referees who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.
3) Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master´s degree certificate and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information
For further information, informal enquires can be sent to Daniela Ungureanu by E-mail [daniela.ungureanu(at)helsinki.fi] with a subject line “Regarding doctoral student position”.